We chose Human First because in the past we'd been disappointed several times by the medical care Netherlands offers. After I sent an email to Human First, Evren called me. That phone call with Evren was really what tipped the scales for us to go with Human First. The website is very clear and answers all your questions. But still, there's something nerve-wracking about it — medical treatment abroad. Evren explained everything to me and came across as so professional and capable, and really knew how to tell and answer everything. In the Netherlands you really can't expect a doctor or doctor's assistant to spend 35 minutes on the phone with you.
On September 13th we flew to Istanbul for the ICSI treatment, and at the airport our transfer was already waiting to take us to the hotel. Great hotel with very friendly staff. On September 14th we had our first appointment at the hospital. I was examined and Daan's sperm was examined. After a couple of hours they called us to say they'd found 1 sperm cell in the test, while in the Netherlands, after five sperm tests, they'd found nothing! Another confirmation for us that we'd done the right thing by having the ICSI treatment here in Istanbul. We also got an explanation about the hormone injections. Daan very sweetly gave me the injections, every day in my belly. Since we didn't need to be back at the hospital until September 18th, we flew to Antalya. A few days at the beach!
On September 18th, back to the hospital. I was examined again and we got an explanation about an extra injection Daan had to give me every day. So from today, two injections a day. Every other day we had to go to the hospital for tests on me. That way they keep an eye on whether the eggs are growing well and whether there are enough of them. September 23rd — this is the last injection day, one of which triggers ovulation. On September 24th we had to be at the hospital early. Daan had his MICRO-TESE operation. This can just be done under local anesthesia, but Daan chose to do it under general anesthesia. After 30 minutes the doctor already came with the good news that he'd found more than enough sperm! An hour after Daan's operation it was my turn for the egg retrieval. Since I had 17 eggs, they advised me to go under general anesthesia too. So I didn't experience any of it.
The first two or three days I did have a bit of discomfort in my belly. Daan also had some discomfort the first three days. But for both of us it turned out 100% better than expected! On September 25th we got a call with the news that of the 17 eggs, 12 had matured, and of those 12 eggs, 8 were fertilized. Then on September 27th two fertilized eggs were transferred back. The transfer takes about five minutes and I really didn't feel a thing. That same evening we flew back to the Netherlands.
Now today, October 9th, I've done three pregnancy tests and I've been to the GP with the result: PREGNANT!!
We're so happy we had the ICSI treatment done at Human First in Istanbul. If we'd stayed in the Netherlands, Daan would have had his last sperm test next week. A month after that, the TESE operation, and if they found sperm there, only then would you be referred to Belgium for ICSI treatment. So then I might have only gotten pregnant in 4 months' time. Besides the fact that it goes a lot faster in Istanbul, the staff are also much friendlier. They really take the time for you and know you by name. At every hospital visit, Dayon was there. She's the Turkish/Dutch hostess/interpreter. Super kind and really wonderful that she was there at every step. She knows a lot about the treatments and is a great support.
Greetings, Mel (25) & Daan (40)
This story was translated from Dutch by our team. Read the original Dutch version →
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